Portable Solar Plan
I have decided to go portable for my solar for several reasons 1) I like the option to move them around, 2) want to use them before committing to additional on my camper or trailer, and 3) I think it'...
Forum Discussion
Hi Tizi,
Look at the cost per watt. The only time MPPT makes financial sense is when there is no room to add more panels. The Grape Controller can do 40 amps, so it may be likely that one would run out of roof space before running out of controller capacity. Plus the Grape is extremely programmable and temperature compensation.
Back when panels were $5.50 per watt MPPT made great sense. But with panels as low as 0.39 cents per watt that is no longer true.
Plus the Grape can do 24 volts to a 24 volt battery bank. All for $50.
Look at the cost per watt. The only time MPPT makes financial sense is when there is no room to add more panels. The Grape Controller can do 40 amps, so it may be likely that one would run out of roof space before running out of controller capacity. Plus the Grape is extremely programmable and temperature compensation.
Back when panels were $5.50 per watt MPPT made great sense. But with panels as low as 0.39 cents per watt that is no longer true.
Plus the Grape can do 24 volts to a 24 volt battery bank. All for $50.
Tizi wrote:pianotuna wrote:
Hi,
Roll your own is almost always cheaper.
MPPT is overkill on a 200 watt system that has nominally 12 volt panels. Look at the Grape 40 amp controller at Home Depot. (Don't get me wrong, the Victron is a heck of a good controller).
http://www.solarblvd.com/ has better prices than the Windy Nation kit (but does not include the frame).
For my detailed thoughts on solar surf here:
https://freecampsites.net/adding-solar/
Is it overkill if I will be adding 2 more panels eventually? I want the system to be expandable.
